JOEL Winters is the new youth ministry co-ordinator in Stanthorpe parish.
Joel was a member of the NET Ministries team, which worked in the Stanthorpe area over the past two years.
Ellen Carruthers, who is facilitator of the Stanthorpe Youth Ministry Planning Team, said the team welcomed Joel back into the community for another year.
‘During last year a youth ministry planning team was organised for the area and our first duty was to advertise and then appoint a youth ministry co-ordinator,’ Ms Carruthers said.
“We were lucky to have a member of the NET team interested in the position.”
She said Joel would work with members of the newly-formed Youth Ministry Planning Team and new parish priest Fr Brian Connolly who arrives from Inglewood-Yelarbon parish on February 22.
“Joel has commenced his duties with vigour, with many new activities being planned for our youth ministry.
“It will be challenging for Joel as he will be working with our new parish priest and new committees.”
She said the Youth Ministry Planning Team already had a list of volunteer helpers “ready for anything”.
“After several meetings we are looking forward to the challenges Youth Ministry provides.
“Our first school holiday video night was quite successful. All who attended enjoyed Snow Dogs and Scooby Doo and further nights are being planned.”
Stanthorpe will host a youth rally for the diocese in April.
Several camps are also planned.
“We are looking forward to our first large event,” Ms Carruthers said.
The 9am Mass on the first Sunday of the month has been set aside as a youth Mass.
Ms Carruthers said the team had been encouraged by the number of musicians who are volunteering to assist at the Mass, but can always do with more.
“Our youth are multi-skilled and very talented and they are busy learning about how to arrange the music for the Mass.
“Several fundraising ideas are underway to assist our young leaders to attend various seminars and training sessions.”
